Gov. Chris Christie, in a statement on his website, characterized DeCroce as "a dear friend, colleague, and mentor."

Christie postponed today's State of the State to eulogize the man, "who was loved by his constituents enough that he was reelected 11 times."

"As you know," a visibly moved Christie said, "I had intended to come before you today to report on the State of the State, and I will fill that commitment. But today our hearts are filled with sadness."